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Superman demo flies to XBLM in two weeks
During an interview with the supervising producer of Superman Returns, Gamertag Radio unearthed some good news. Expect a demo of Superman Returns to hit Xbox Live Marketplace within a week of the game's release (November 20). It's only natural to have doubts about any Superman game, so it's nice that we'll have a chance to try before we fly (ba dum bum). Is there any chance that Superman Returns, by EA mind you, could break the Superman game curse? Expect to find out in two weeks. GTR's interview with the producer should be up later today. Be sure and check it out.
Eragon demo flaps onto XBLM, impressions
A demo for Eragon -- the "official" game of Fox's upcoming movie -- has hit Marketplace. Now, let's get one thing straight. I am completely unfamiliar with this material. I have not read the books, and so I can only judge the game for itself. For any Eragonites out there, please keep that in mind. With that out of the way, the demo is pretty "meh." The first thing anyone will notice is that this is obviously not a 360 game. In fact, it barely looks like a PS2 game. The water in particular looked god-awful. The game actually reminded me a little of Soul Reaver with slightly more detail (and worse combat). As far as gameplay is concerned, it's pretty much derivative of the EA Lord of the Rings games. There are plenty of combos with long animations, projectiles, and limited magic. You get to call in your dragon for a few scripted bits of destruction, but that's it. There is no dragon riding in the demo. Beyond that, I couldn't help but be struck by a few things. One, I have this badass dragon, but I'm killing all these baddies myself? Also, I find it a little odd that one arrow manages to take out your dragon friend about halfway through the demo, but it takes five arrows for me to kill one human archer. Weird. All in all, the demo isn't terrible but I doubt it will convince you to pay sixty bucks for the retail version; it might be a decent rental, though.
PDZ gets new maps, world still turns
It's been a long time since Perfect Dark: Zero received any downloadable content. It should come as a joyful surprise to loyal fans then, that there is a new map pack available for download on Marketplace. It should come as an even better surprise that the content is free. The pack contains two new maps, Facility and Ruin. Both maps are based on classic maps from previous games. Just curious, but who's still playing PDZ? Any die-hard fans out there? Tell us what has made the game appealing for so long. Will these new maps convince lapsed fans to go back?
Marketplace videos best if watched by ...
Morgon at MyGamercard.net noticed an interesting new "feature" in the recent fall dashboard update. Videos now have a new label which reads, "Does not expire." Obviously, this label isn't there just to remind us how great it is that, unlike milk, digital video doesn't expire. No, this label portends only one thing: future Marketplace content will expire. We've already seen this happen once with the Table Tennis demo. We've also seen the recent delay in content for Silver Live members versus Gold Live members. Now it looks like we'll only be seeing more of this activity. Naturally, it makes marketing sense to place an expiration date on certain things. The Table Tennis demo, for example, gave you enough of the game that you really didn't have to buy it at all. Still, what other things will get expiration dates? Videos? XBLA trial games? MGC puts forth the idea that videos of television shows might expire, thus prompting you to buy the DVD. Allow us to add another nefarious twist: will there ever be pay content that expires? EA's magic 8 ball says, "Signs point to yes."[Thanks to MGC's Sherveen and KineticOnline]
Dash update, details officially revealed
It's official folks, details of tomorrow's dash update have been confirmed. Oh yeah, and the dash update will be happening tomorrow. Everything we reported earlier today is true. New features include 1080p resolution for games and movies Video playback from data CDs and DVDs, flash drives, even 360 memory units Video streaming with Windows XP and Media Player 11 (sounds familiar ...) Live Arcade enhancements Support for XNA created games The Arcade will now populate almost instantly, which means you won't have to wait for your favorite game to pop up on the list. Another interesting feature is the "Tell a friend" feature, which sends a buddy a message that tells them about a certain Live Arcade game. And the best feature (one we also predicted earlier) is a a feature that automatically downloads the latest trial versions of Xbox Live Arcade games.We've been waiting for this for a long time, especially the video streaming, and we'll be back tomorrow with a full report. See the full press release after the break.
Major Nelson talks microtransations on G4
Major Nelson was featured on Attack of the Show last night. During "The Loop," Major Nelson discussed microtransactions with Kevin Pereira and Andrew Pfister, producer of 1UP Yours. The segment was too short, which is regrettable because it was actually very good. In fact, we'd love to see "The Loop" made into its own show. Naturally, Lumines was brought up. It was declared dishonest by Andrew, whereas Major Nelson reminded the audience that "it's about choice." They also briefly touched on EA's recent Godfather scandal. If you haven't heard, EA is charging 360 users for cheats. What's scary is that the cheats you can buy on Marketplace are available as cheat codes in the Xbox version. In other words EA actually removed the cheat codes from the 360 version just so they could make consumers pay for them. Unfortunately, the commentators just aren't given enough time to properly debate the issue. Here's hoping G4 sees the potential in this segment and gives "The Loop" some more air time. Watch the video after the break.
Tony Hawk P8 demo coming tomorrow!
You heard it, folks. A Tony Hawk's Project 8 demo will be available on Marketplace tomorrow, October 20th. The demo will give you access to many of the games new features, including the much lauded "Nail the Trick" -- think The Matrix meets skateboarding. Also accessible will be the "Filmer" mode, in which you follow a cameraman and complete whatever tricks he wants to see. As if that weren't enough, there will also be what Activision calls "Spot Challenges," which are random goals that can be completed in the game world. All in all, it sounds like a pretty meaty demo. It's also the only place you'll be playing Project 8 for quite a while. We've said it before and we'll say it again, you gotta love Xbox Live.
Gears demo is coming ... but will it cost you? [update 1]
[Update: Epic's Mark Rein shot this (admittedly unlikely) rumor down himself writing, "Just saw the dog tag image with the 'Microsoft points.' It just isn't true. There is no demo coming out before the game ships and I have no idea if we'll do one after the game ships or not. Right now there are no plans to do one as I said earlier in this thread. I have asked Microsoft to take that image down." This still doesn't explain why the Gears of War demo "dog tag" exists in the first place if there are no plans to make a demo, but at least Rein intimates there are no plans to charge for said demo.]Microsoft plans to promote their upcoming killer app with a playable demo, distributed digitally using their Xbox Live network. Sure, we're not certain when they'll do it -- all signs are pointing to a post-Gears release -- but we all knew they would. Now it's a question of why buy the cow (Gears of War in this case) when you can get the milk for free (that would be the Gears of War demo). If Gears doesn't have any trouble selling, best to sit on that demo until it does. Still with us?Well, one potential answer might be to get that delicious milk out to market sooner, but not give it away after all (we're still talking about the Gears demo here). A page on the British Xbox.com site very clearly lists "Gears of War demo" as an example of "content downloads in Xbox Live Marketplace," right next to pay content (like Joust, Pac-Man, and Frogger) and XBL currency (like oh, say, Microsoft Points logos and cards). Now, you'll recognize the Gamertag pics at the bottom are the freebies, so it's not like the image is comprised solely of pay-only items ... so is this simply an unfortunate layout?As for when that demo is coming, it wasn't released after Epic's first big tease (that was the retail date), or their second (which ended up being a new website), but we know of a couple 360 owners who wouldn't mind getting some free milk. We've contacted Microsoft to get their response on the possibility of paid demos and the plans for a Gears demo. [Thanks lord hobo; via Xbox 360 Fanboy]
Tiger Woods content is cheating
We swear, we don't just come to work wondering how we can hate on EA. Honestly, we don't, but we couldn't help pointing something out. There's a new batch of downloadable content for Tiger Woods 07. Sure, everyone loves downloadable content, but this new "content" stinks.Unlock Golfer:-200 pointsPro Shop – 300 pointsMaxed out Player – 200 pointsUnlock Courses – 200 pointsAs a quick explanation, all of these downloads unlock content in the game. The thing is, it unlocks content in the game that you can unlock just by playing it. What it comes down to is that EA is basically charging us for cheat codes. You want every single golfer in the game, but you don't want to unlock them yourself? That'll be $2.50. Maybe you'd like to have every item in the Pro Shop. No problem: $3.75. Can't be bothered to raise your golfer's stats? Easy, we'll max him out for $2.50. And of course, what good is a maxed out golfer if he can't play on those pesky locked courses. We'll just unlock those for another $2.50.Now, we're not going to completely condemn this. Many people have complained that they don't have time to unlock things in their games. All they want is to be able to play with their friends, using all the same content. That's all well and good, but we can't help feeling that things like this are chipping away at the soul of gaming. Seriously, why play the game at all if you're just going to strip it of all accomplishment? Put simply, it's bullsh*t. And probably a goldmine for EA. God help us all if Konami charges us for "the code" when Contra hits XBLA.
Lost Planet Collector's Edition is weak
1UP reports that there is a Lost Planet Collector's Edition on the way. I'll give you a minute to let the shock subside. And there we go. Sure, the news of a special edition isn't all that exciting. It's what's inside the case that's a little unsettling. There are two extras in the undoubtedly slick metal case. The first is an art manual, which is always cool. It's the second bit that's disturbing. The other item is a token for a free downloadable map. That's it.This raises some questions. Assuming that the map will be available when the game ships, why not just include it on the disc? How much does the map cost for those who don't get the special edition? Think about it. If you're spending US $69.99 on a special edition, is a free map really a deal? If you can live without the art book, wouldn't it actually be cheaper to pick up the regular edition and pay the 2-5 dollars for the map? Unless special edition owners get early access to the map -- or the map is exorbitantly priced -- it just doesn't make much sense. Any thoughts?[Via Evil Avatar]
XBL down for maintenance on Oct. 17th
Major Nelson sends word that the Xbox Live network will soon disappear into a nebulous offline abyss for some maintenance. Currently scheduled for Tuesday, 17 October and expected to last for 24 hours, attempts by your Xbox 360 to connect to Live will be met with unnerving digital silence. Mark the date on your calendars and be sure to reschedule your planned sessions of disconnecting early, screaming into your headset and informing other players of their sexual orientation.The official Xbox website will also be taken down and worked upon in order to accomodate "some secret cool stuff." None of which, as the site insists, includes a dashboard update. Incidentally, 17 October is also the release date for Splinter Cell: Double Agent. [Via Major Nelson]
XBL downtime scheduled for Oct. 17th [update 1]
Major Nelson has sent us word that there will be a day scheduled downtime for Xbox Live and Xbox.com on October 17th. October 17th ... hmmm. Why does that sound familiar. Wait a minute! That's when we get Double Agent. What the hell, man! And not only that, October 17th is the second to last day of the PSU beta -- which is already delayed to begin with. So what the hell do we do now Microsoft? What the hell do we do now?!Ah well, guess we all gotta deal right? The boys at Xbox.com even suggest 10 things you can do without Live. And Major Nelson reminds us all that this is not the Fall dashboard update, though apparently "cool stuff" is being added. What that means is anyone's guess. Now we just figure out what to do. Anybody want to go bowling or something?[Thanks, Larry, AKA Major Nelson]Update: It's Xbox.com, not Box.com. Give me a break. I'm jet-lagged here.
Bringing home a barrage of Xbox 360 trailers
Major Nelson has once again updated his blog with a convenient list of X06 additions to the Xbox Live marketplace. If you're in any way enamored with glitzy trailers, pre-rendered footage or relentless teasing, you'd best switch on your console and start downloading some of these clips: Call of Duty 3 Banjo Kazooie Marvel Ultimate Online Viva Pinata Assassin's Creed Splinter Cell: Double Agent Blue Dragon Lost Odyssey Bioshock FIFA 07 Rainbow Six Vegas Halo Wars If you're a more traditional gamer and actually enjoy interactive forms of entertainment, you'll be pleased to learn that several of our readers have spied F.E.A.R. and Sonic the Hedgehog demos scurrying about in the marketplace. Be sure to let us know what you think of them, but not before viewing the embedded video (after the break) and answering one simple question: What the hell is going on with that nose?
LEGO Star Wars II demo impressions
LEGO Star Wars II, put simply, is a lot of fun. I downloaded the demo this morning and found myself playing it until lunch. If you've got room for a simple, lighthearted game, it's definitely worth checking out. Read on for a breakdown of the demo and my impressions.
TGS demo, Fuzion Frenzy 2! [update 1]
We haven't checked out the rest of today's TGS content yet, because the first thing we saw was the Fuzion Frenzy 2 demo! We're downloading it right now (293 MB). Impressions will be up once we play it.Update: See our impressions of the demo after the break.
New XBLA franchise in the next two weeks
XBLArcade managed to notice a snippet from yesterday's press release that completely slipped our Sauron-like gaze. From the release:"In total, more than 100 pieces of new downloadable content will be available during the nine day period, including a never before announced major franchise on Xbox Live Arcade."Major franchise, would we? The possibilities addle our brains, but we can't help but speculate. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? Mega Man? Bomberman? It could be anything, and your guess is as good as ours. We can only hope that this is a real arcade classic, or, better yet, an entirely original franchise for XBLA (something episodic perhaps?). Anyone care to make a guess? If anyone gets it right, we'll be sure to drop his/her name when the game is officially announced.
Tenchu Senran video, it ain't pretty
Xboxyde has posted a gameplay video of the Japanese Tenchu Senran demo (which should be back up tomorrow), and we're just going to come right out and say that it's a steaming pile. Call us graphics snobs if you will, but everything about this game looks worse than last gen. The graphics barely live up to PS2 standards and the gameplay is nearly identical to every other Tenchu game out there. What's worse, this is From Software, creator of some of the Xbox's best looking games. If this is the best that Japan can get on the 360, it's no wonder they're gathering dust on the shelves. Graphics or gameplay guys, if you're making a 360 game, at least one of them has to better than last gen.Let's hope that TGS gives all of us some Japanese games that are worth playing.
TGS and X06, live from your living room
We reported a few weeks ago that Microsoft was planning on bringing TGS and X06 home this year, much the same way they did for E3. Microsoft has now made it official, launching this page detailing what 360 users can expect. If you had a 360 during E3, you know the drill. Expect lots of game demos, trailers, content downloads (Alan Wake theme? F*ck yeah!), and behind the scenes videos. Coverage is set to begin September 20th -- That's Wednesday for those of you keeping score -- and will run through September 29th. We can't wait. It's things like this that make us glad we're 360 fanboys. Check out the press release -- including some of the hot ticket games -- after the break.
Prey extras to cost $0 (that's 0 MS points)
Microsoft's Xbox Live Marketplace is like the wild west; a new frontier where bold pioneers make the rules as they go. First, a swarthy, mustachioed gent named Beth Esda (hey, it's a dude's name!) starting charging folks for what he called "horse armor." This armor was little more than a fancy horse blanket, but Esda ran a tough gang, and folks were curious, so he did all right by himself.Plenty of other shopkeepers came into town, hawking their wares with little regard for the "horse armor" precedent and finding some success ... and then a stranger came to town. D.D.D. Realms thought folks should get new multiplayer maps and skins for nuttin' so, before even opening up shop, he announced that all Native American-themed Prey content, both in his XBLA store and the PC store down the street, would be free of charge. Of course, folks know all about D.D.D. Realms, who's been promising 'em some Duke Nukem flimflam since as far back as the '90s and, just like that product, this new Prey content will be available "when it's done." It remains to be seen if other shopkeepers follow his low-priced lead or if it's still every publisher for himself.
Bioware demonstrates digital actors at Austin Game Conference
An intriguing article on Gamasutra details Bioware's visit to the Austin Game Writers Conference and their resulting presentation, "Creating Characters for Games: Writing for Digital Actors." One of the few developers that puts as much, if not more, emphasis on stories and characters versus other elements of their games, Bioware outlined a change in writing methodology required for visually lush next-gen games. Unlike older, less ambitious role-playing games which furthered the story via motionless character portraits or a handful of canned animations, the upcoming Mass Effect has tasked writers with taking things such as body language and subtle physical gestures into account. It's an interesting case where the writer can rely on the graphics to tell a part of the story -- usually it's the other way around.The article also delves into the creation of the story and how the player's choices need to be plentiful while still remaining within the framework of the overall game. Again, the digital actor can be used to guide the player down certain paths, avoiding erratic or non-sensical behaviour that has a character suddenly going from cheery to murderous after the press of a button. There's definitely a tug of war going on between the player (who wants freedom) and the storyteller (who wants to tell a coherent tale). With more realistic graphics and lifelike characters being introduced in the coming years, it's unclear as to who will end up having the greatest grip. See also: Bioware defines Mass Effect Video of E3 Mass Effect demo hits XBLM Joystiq's impressions of Mass Effect at E3
